Service innovation through transformational leadership, work-life balance, and organisational learning capability

ABSTRACT

The balance between work and personal life is a major challenge for organisational leaders nowadays, as it is acknowledged to be a source innovation and competitive advantage. Moreover, the literature indicates that transformational leadership, and organisational learning favour Work-life balance (WLB), by promoting intellectual stimulation, motivation, and self-confidence among members of the organisation. Despite the importance of these constructs, and especially in the service innovation context, no studies have been found that examine this relationship. Thus, this study aims at evaluating the association of transformational leadership and WLB on service innovation through organisational learning. Exploratory quantitative research was performed using data collected from a sample of 159 Brazilian architecture and urbanism Knowledge-Intensive Business Services (KIBS). Data were analysed using Structural Equation Modeling. We found positive relationships between transformational leadership, WLB/flexibility, organisational learning capability, and service innovation. However, no association was found between transformational leadership and organisational learning with WLB/Family Life. The theoretical contribution focuses on a framework that integrates transformational leadership, WLB, organisational learning, and service innovation, providing relevant insights for KIBS. On the practical side, this paper points to the importance of underlying organisational values that motivate and promote innovative behaviour among employees in the service innovation arena.

KEYWORDS:

• Transformational leadership
• work-life balance
• organisational learning capability
• service innovation

Acknowledgments

The authors want to thank the support of the Brazilian Coordination for Improvement of Higher Education (CAPES) – Grant code 001.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

The authors want to thank the support of the Coordination for the Improvement of High Level Personnel (CAPES) [grant code 001].

Notes on contributors

Giancarlo Gomes

Professor Giancarlo Gomes holds a doctoral degree in management and accounting from the Regional University of Blumenau, Brazil, where he is a full professor of innovation and organisational culture (masters’ and doctoral courses). His research interests include innovation management with emphasis in organisational culture, culture of innovation, innovation in products and processes.

Laio Oriel Seman

Professor Laio Oriel Seman holds a doctoral degree in electrical engineering from the Santa Catarina Federal University, Brazil. His research interests focus on strategies for static and dynamic optimization, along with applications in traffic control, cyber-physical systems, and oil and gas production systems.

Linda Jessica De Montreuil Carmona

Professor Linda Jessica De Montreuil Carmona holds a doctoral degree in management and accounting from the Regional University of Blumenau, Brazil, where she is a postdoctoral researcher. Her research interests include innovation and technology management, entrepreneurship, organisational learning, and corporate governance.